Published on January 13, 2025

City achieves goal of 40 CDL certifications, providing secure, high-paying jobs; announces intention to credential 40 more

Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird and local labor officials today celebrated the economic opportunity created by American Job Center (AJC) commercial driver’s license (CDL) training by recognizing its 40th credentialed participant.

“This milestone highlights the City of Lincoln’s commitment to helping our community members and businesses grow the great life together. By credentialing individuals with commercial driver’s licenses, we support their economic mobility and help fill a workforce need of our local businesses,” said Mayor Gaylor Baird said. “Because this program changes lives and incomes for the better, I am pleased to announce today that we are doubling our initial goal and will seek to credential an additional 40 community members.”

Joining Mayor Gaylor Baird at the news conference were Dylan Wren, AJC Workforce Administrator and Mario Rush, CDL program participant and Lincoln resident.

Wren said the CDL training initiative covers all tuition costs at driving academies and assists participants with transportation, childcare and licensing fees. Additionally, Wren said, the Center connects individuals with employers upon completion of the training.

Of the 66 program participants to date, 40 have earned their licenses, 20 are currently in training, and six did not complete training. Of the 40 credentialed drivers, 31 are now employed, and nine are recent graduates currently seeking employment.

Since 2024, the City of Lincoln has invested $686,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds toward CDL training to address the growing demand for tractor-trailer truck drivers in Lincoln and Lancaster County. Wren said that the program is successful because training can be completed in as little as five weeks, and most participants find employment quickly.

“Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers consistently rank as the top high-wage, high-demand, high-skill occupation in the Lincoln area and across the state,” Wren said. “With some targeted training, individuals have a high likelihood of securing a well-paying job relatively quickly – a remarkable opportunity. For those willing to dedicate themselves, this training can be truly life changing.”

Rush called his work with the American Job Center “a great experience,” and thanked his instructors at Pro-Fleet CDL Academy for giving him the confidence to earn his truck driving credentials.

“Moving forward, I want to drive local and give back to the community – even becoming an instructor,” Rush said.

Beckius said in a statement the CDL program is significant evidence of the positive impact that the City’s workforce investments have had on the community.

“By helping our community members earn a commercial driver’s license, we help them open the doors to high-paying, in-demand trucking jobs – jobs in which they are literally driving a vehicle of opportunity,” Beckius said.

For more information about the AJC, visit ajc.lincoln.ne.gov.